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MINI Countryman vs Renault R4 comparison

Compare performance (313 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (30,100 £ vs 27,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – MINI Countryman or Renault R4?

MINI Countryman vs Renault R4: Key differences

MINI Countryman

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • clearly more power
  • very slightly more efficient
  • slightly more electric range
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
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Renault R4

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • moderately cheaper
  • very slightly lighter
  • considerably more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Countryman

MINI Countryman VS Renault R4 — a practical, buyer-focused comparison

MINI Countryman VS Renault R4 pits a grown‑up compact SUV with clear brand ambition against a neo‑retro, highly practical city crossover. The MINI Countryman brings a more substantial road presence, higher-speed composure and a style-led cabin, while the Renault R4 focuses on low-effort usability, an unusually practical boot and relaxed efficiency. That means the Countryman feels like a confident long‑distance companion, whereas the R4 is happiest solving everyday chores and city runs. Buyers will quickly see this as a trade‑off between motorway refinement and straightforward day‑to‑day practicality.

R4

Driving character: composed authority versus easygoing thrift

The MINI Countryman drives with quiet authority — heavier, more planted and tuned toward stable motorway miles — while the Renault R4 is lighter, cosier and tuned for relaxed suburban driving. Countryman owners will appreciate sharper acceleration and a sense that the car can cover distance efficiently; R4 drivers get gentler power delivery that prioritises efficiency and calm rather than sporty shove. Steering in the Countryman feels neutral and assured, whereas the R4’s light, nimble responses make it more comfortable threading through tight streets. In short, pick the Countryman if you want motorway composure and stronger performance; choose the R4 if you prize easy, forgiving everyday manners.

Countryman

Comfort and cabin feel: boutique ambience versus friendly functionality

Inside, the MINI Countryman leans into brand character with a stylish, well‑dressed cabin and quality fabrics that create a premium impression, though some lower trim plastics temper the effect. The Renault R4 trades showiness for clarity: simple controls, physical climate buttons and a responsive Google‑based infotainment make daily interactions less fiddly. On long trips the Countryman’s quieter, more isolated cabin rewards hours on the motorway, while the R4 remains pleasantly quiet but can reveal wind noise at steady high speed. Rear passengers will notice a difference too — the Countryman offers more headroom and adjustable seating flexibility, whereas the R4’s back seat is lower and better suited to children or shorter journeys.

R4

Practicality and luggage usability: thoughtful load space versus easy loading

When it comes to hauling stuff, the Renault R4 is the surprising hero with a really practical boot layout and a low loading lip that makes everyday packing effortless. The MINI Countryman offers flexible interior storage and, in petrol versions, a sliding rear bench that helps balance passenger and cargo needs, but its higher tailgate sill makes heavy or bulky items more awkward. Payload and sturdiness edge toward the Countryman if you plan to carry heavier loads regularly, while the R4’s design choices simply make day‑to‑day loading quicker and less troublesome. Decide whether you value raw carrying ease and garage‑friendly loading (R4) or the flexibility of adjustable seating and slightly beefier payload capability (Countryman).

Countryman

City friendliness and daily usability: tight turns and simple tech versus cameras and presence

The Renault R4 shines in town with a small turning circle, intuitive Google integration and one‑pedal driving options that reduce stress in stop‑start traffic. The MINI Countryman is still city-capable but larger footprint, firmer suspension and a raked rear view make tight manoeuvres feel more deliberate; its cameras and parking aids help, yet the infotainment’s round interface can be fiddly in daily use. Visibility differences matter: the R4’s compact shape aids parking but rear sightlines can be obstructed, whereas the Countryman offers a commanding seating position and tech to compensate for blind spots. Overall, the R4 feels more straightforward for urban life, the Countryman better suited if you want tech aids and a stronger road presence even in town.

R4

Who each car suits — final buyer fit and what to check next

If you’re a design‑minded small family or frequent motorway commuter who values safety, a quieter cabin and stronger performance, the MINI Countryman is tailored to that role; be prepared for a price premium if you add options. If your life is mostly urban errands, school runs and the occasional weekend trip, and you want the simplest, most practical packaging with sensible running costs, the Renault R4 will likely feel more rewarding every day. The trade‑offs are consistent: Countryman prioritises refinement and power, R4 focuses on usable space and fuss‑free operation. Read the technical comparison next to see how those real‑world differences translate into range, charging, cargo volumes and other measurable items that will decide which compromise suits you best.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Countryman

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Renault R4 is moderately cheaper – starting at 27,300 £ , while the MINI Countryman costs 30,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,760 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the MINI Countryman is very slightly more efficient: consuming 14.8 kWh/100km compared to 15.1 kWh/100km for the Renault R4. That’s a difference of about 0.3 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the MINI Countryman offers slightly more range – reaching up to 497 km, about 88 km more than the Renault R4.

R4

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the MINI Countryman offers clearly more power – delivering 313 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 163 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the MINI Countryman is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the Renault R4 takes 8.2 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the MINI Countryman delivers considerably more torque with 494 Nm compared to 245 Nm. That’s about 249 Nm more.

Countryman

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Renault R4 is very slightly lighter – 1,510 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 60 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault R4 offers considerably more boot space – 1,045 L compared to 505 L. That’s a difference of about 540 L.

When it comes to payload, the MINI Countryman carries moderately more – 500 kg compared to 443 kg. That’s a difference of about 57 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The MINI Countryman is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £30,100
Countryman

MINI Countryman

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 313 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.9 - 6.5 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 14.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 463 - 497 km
MINI Countryman
Renault R4

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

MINI Countryman

The MINI Countryman turns the cheeky charm of a classic MINI into a proper all-rounder, blending playful styling with surprisingly usable space for everyday life. It still grins at city lights but will happily tackle muddy lanes, perfect for buyers who want character without sacrificing practicality.

details

Renault R4

The Renault R4, affectionately known as the "R4," is a quintessential symbol of French automotive simplicity and practicality. This classic compact car, originally introduced in the early 1960s, won over numerous enthusiasts with its versatile design and dependable performance. Its no-frills charm and robust build made it a beloved choice for rural drivers and city dwellers alike, cementing its status as an iconic piece of automotive history.

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MINI Countryman
Renault R4

Costs and Consumption

Price
30,100 - 39,800 £
Price
27,300 - 32,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.9 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.1 kWh/100km
Electric Range
463 - 497 km
Electric Range
409 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 149 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
2 - 5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 2,075 kg
Curb weight
1,510 - 1,537 kg
Trunk capacity
450 - 505 L
Trunk capacity
420 - 1,045 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,843 mm
Width
1,808 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 500 kg
Payload
385 - 443 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 313 HP
Power HP
150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 494 Nm
Torque
245 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 230 kW
Power kW
110 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
MINI
Brand
Renault
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.